Sora accounts can be deleted through your library's digital system, but the process depends on which library system runs your account

Sora is a reading app run by OverDrive that lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks through your library card. If you want to stop using it, you have two separate things to do: remove the app from your device, and delete your actual account. Deleting the account is the step that matters for privacy — removing just the app leaves your account active and your borrowing history stored.

The account deletion itself happens through your library's website or app, not through Sora directly. Your library controls your account, so the exact steps depend on which library system you use. Most libraries let you delete your account yourself in a few minutes, but some require you to contact the library by phone or email.

Key Takeaways

  • Sora accounts are managed by your library, not by OverDrive, so you delete through your library's system rather than the Sora app itself.
  • Before deleting, return any borrowed books or audiobooks — most libraries will not let you delete an account with active loans.
  • Some libraries let you delete your account online through their website or app, while others require a phone call or email to their help desk.
  • Deleting your Sora account also deletes your reading history, saved books, and any holds you have placed.
  • You can always create a new Sora account later using the same library card if you change your mind.

Return all borrowed books before you delete

Most library systems will not let you delete an account that has active loans. Before you start the deletion process, open the Sora app and check your "Loans" section. If you have any books or audiobooks checked out, you need to return them first.

Returning a book in Sora is straightforward: open the book, tap the three dots or menu icon, and select "Return". The book goes back to your library when ready and becomes available for other people to borrow. If you are in the middle of reading something, you can always check it out again later using a new account.

While you are in the app, also check your "Holds" section. These are books you have reserved but have not checked out yet. You can cancel holds before deleting, or leave them — they will disappear when your account is deleted.

Delete through your library's website or app

Many libraries let you delete your account yourself through their website. Start by going to your library's main website and logging in with your library card number and PIN. Look for a section called "My Account", "Account Settings", or "Manage My Account".

Once you are in your account settings, look for an option that says "Delete Account", "Close Account", or "Remove Account". The exact wording varies by library system. Click that option and follow the prompts. Most libraries will ask you to confirm the deletion by clicking a button or entering your password again. After you confirm, your account and all its data are deleted.

Some libraries also let you delete through the Sora app itself. Open Sora, tap your profile icon (usually in the top right corner), scroll down to "Settings", and look for "Delete Account" or "Close Account". If that option appears, you can delete directly from there.

Contact your library if you cannot delete online

If you cannot find a delete option on your library's website or in the Sora app, your library may require you to request deletion by phone or email. Call your library's main number and ask to speak with someone in the digital services or technology department. Tell them you want to delete your Sora account and your library card account.

You can also email your library's help desk. Include your full name, library card number, and a clear statement that you want to delete your account. Most libraries respond to email requests within one to three business days. They may ask you to confirm your identity by providing your PIN or answering security questions before they delete the account.

If your library uses a specific digital library system (such as Bibliocommons, Polaris, or Evergreen), you can also search online for "[your library name] delete account" to find system-specific instructions.

What happens when you delete your account

Once your account is deleted, you lose access to Sora and any other digital services your library offers through that account. Your reading history, saved books, notes, and bookmarks all disappear. Any holds you placed are cancelled, and other people can borrow the books you had reserved.

Deleting your Sora account does not affect your physical library card or your ability to borrow books in person at the library. It only removes your digital account. You can still visit the library, check out physical books, and use other library services that do not require a digital account.

Remove the Sora app from your device

After you delete your account, you should also remove the Sora app from your phone or tablet. On an iPhone or iPad, press and hold the Sora icon on your home screen, tap "Remove App", and then tap "Delete App". On an Android phone, press and hold the Sora icon, tap "Uninstall", and confirm.

Removing the app is optional — it does not affect your deleted account. But it frees up space on your device and removes the app from your home screen. If you ever want to use Sora again, you can read it fresh from the App Store or Google Play and create a new account with your library card.

Create a new account later if you change your mind

Deleting your account is not permanent in the sense that you cannot undo it. However, you cannot straightforward reactivate a deleted account. If you want to use Sora again, you create a brand new account using the same library card number and PIN.

When you create a new account, you start fresh with no reading history, no saved books, and no holds. Your old account data is gone. But you can borrow books when ready, just as you did the first time you signed up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to books I have checked out if I delete my account?

You must return all checked-out books before deleting your account — most libraries will not let you delete if you have active loans. If you somehow delete with books still checked out, contact your library to return them. The books will eventually be marked overdue and your library may charge a fine.

Can I delete my Sora account without deleting my library card account?

Yes. Deleting your Sora account only removes your digital library access. Your physical library card and your ability to borrow books in person remain unchanged. You can still visit the library and use other services.

Will deleting my account remove my reading history?

Yes. When you delete your account, all reading history, saved books, notes, and bookmarks are permanently deleted. If you create a new account later, you start with a blank reading history.

How long does it take to delete my account?

If you delete online through your library's website, it happens when ready. If you request deletion by phone or email, most libraries process it within one to three business days. You will receive a confirmation email or call once the deletion is complete.

Can I delete my account if I have a hold on a book?

Most libraries let you delete your account even if you have holds placed. The holds will be cancelled when your account is deleted, and other people can borrow those books. You do not need to cancel holds manually before deleting.